Write a paragraph on the similarities and differences of isolationism and internationalism.
Then write another paragraph explaining the different reasons why the United States did not want to get involved with the problems of Europe (practice neutrality). Also, include what ways the US practiced neutrality.
A: Isolationism and internationalism are distinctly different from each other. Isolationism is the policy of avoiding involvement in world affairs, whereas internationalism is the policy of actively trading with other countries to create prosperity and help prevent war. In addition, isolationism benefitted only the American people, while internationalism was beneficial to other countries throughout the world. Isolationism kept the United States from making international commitments and thus out of another war. Internationalism, however, promoted trade between nations to create prosperity for everyone. The purposes of these policies, however, are similar. Both of these policies were meant to foster peace, whether it be for just the United States or the world as a whole.
After the First World War, Americans did not want to get involved in European affairs. Therefore, they supported isolationism and practiced neutrality. This was for several different reasons. First, the rise of dictatorship and militarism after World War I discouraged many Americans. They thought the sacrifices they had made during the war seemed pointless. Secondly, when the Depression began, so many of the European countries struggled to pay back the money they had borrowed during World War I that each nation except Finland refused to continue repaying their war debts to the United States. And lastly, investigative hearings held by the Nye Committee revealed that arms manufacturers had made huge profits during World War I, which created the impression that these businesses had tricked the United States into entering the war, angering many Americans. These findings and the European refusal to repay their loans made them turn to isolationism even more. They practice neutrality by passing the Neutrality Act of 1935, which made it illegal for Americans to sell arms to any country at war, and the Neutrality Act of 1937, which continued the ban on selling arms to nations at war but also required warring countries to buy non military supplies from the United States on a "cash-and-carry" basis.
I would accept everything you have written here if I were your teacher. I would point out that more than trade was involved in international relations. Isolationists opposed diplomacy intended to promote peace in other nations, too. Read the linked article here:
http://history.state.gov/milestones/1937-1945/american-isolationism
Isolationism and internationalism are two distinct policies with different approaches and outcomes. Isolationism refers to the policy of avoiding involvement in international affairs, while internationalism emphasizes active engagement with other nations through trade and cooperation. Isolationism focuses on benefiting only the American people, whereas internationalism aims to foster prosperity and prevent conflicts globally. Isolationism keeps the United States from making international commitments, thus keeping it out of potential wars, while internationalism promotes trade between nations to create mutual benefits. Despite their differences, both policies share the common goal of promoting peace, whether at a national or global level.
In the aftermath of World War I, the United States had reasons to practice neutrality and avoid getting involved in European problems. Firstly, the rise of dictatorships and militarism in Europe after the war disillusioned many Americans, who felt that the sacrifices made during the war were in vain. Secondly, the Great Depression affected European nations, causing them to struggle with repaying the significant amount of money borrowed during the war, with most countries refusing to continue repaying their war debts to the United States. This economic strain further discouraged American involvement in European affairs. Additionally, the Nye Committee's investigative hearings exposed the substantial profits made by arms manufacturers during World War I, creating the perception that these businesses had manipulated the United States into entering the war. This revelation added to the growing sentiment of isolationism. To practice neutrality, the United States passed the Neutrality Act of 1935, which prohibited arms sales to war-torn nations. The Neutrality Act of 1937 continued the ban on arms sales and required warring countries to purchase non-military supplies from the United States on a "cash-and-carry" basis. These actions aimed to maintain neutrality and keep the United States from getting entangled in European conflicts.